The fourth edition of annual 3D-printing exhibition in Shanghai, TCT Asia 2018, had ended successfully at the Shanghai New International Expo Center (SNIEC). During this three-day event, the newest innovations in the area of 3D-printing technologies, solutions, products and services are exhibited.

The presence of the Netherland is clearly noticeable through the five innovative Dutch companies and the visit of the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherland to the People’s Republic of China, Mr. Ed Kronenburg.

Dutch Innovation

The 3D-printing industry of the Netherlands was represented by DSM Somos, Admatec Europe, Innofil3D, Ultimaker, and Additive Industries during this year’s event. DSM Somos and Innofil3D (recently acquired by BASF) are well known producers of innovative 3D-printing materials. Admatec Europe has created their own unique technologies of 3D printing ceramics and metals. Ultimaker is ofcourse the well-known producer of accessible desktop 3D-printers and software. Additive Industries is world’s first dedicated equipment manufacturer for industrial metal additive manufacturing systems focused on high-end and demanding markets.

Activities

Ambassador Kronenburg visited the exhibition booths of five Dutch companies and opened the presentation session “Additive Manufacturing from Holland” hosted by the Holland Innovation Network. During their presentations, the companies were able to pitch their innovative products, technologies, and services to other industry professionals.

The Ministry of Finance and State Administration of Taxation have promulgated new tax policies in May 2nd 2017. The policies are valid in 2017, 2018, and 2019. There are two policies relevant for Hi-tech companies.

The first is a deduction of R&D expenses in China. Originally companies could deduct 50% of their R&D expenses from taxable income, and count them as 150% for amortization. Under the new policy, if a company applies for a classification as hi-tech SMEs, the percentages are raised to 75% and 175% respectively.

The second is a deduction of 70% of an investment of Venture Capital in hi-tech SMEs, now also valid for angle investors.

A delegation of the Dutch embassy, including Chargé d’Affaires a.i. Paul Menkveld, witnessed the signing of an MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) between vice president Prof. Qikun Xue of Tsinghua University and SRON (Netherlands Institute for Space Research) managing director Dr. Remco den Besten. The signing was also witnessed by a delegation from NWO, led by member of the executive board Professor Wim van den Doel, as well as their Chinese counterpart, the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC).

Missing Matter

Tsinghua and SRON will work together with a view to a future Chinese space telescope for studying ‘missing matter’, suspected thin gas in the universe with a temperature of hundreds of millions of degrees. The two renowned institutes will study if detectors that are developed in Europe for a project of the European Space Agency ESA, is suitable for measuring radiation from such hot plasma. In scientific discussions around the signing, already more areas for possible cooperation were identified.

Cooperation

This signing fits in a trend of increased space sciences cooperation between China and the Netherlands. Only three weeks ago, Delft University of Technology signed an MoU with the biggest space sciences university in China, Harbin Institute of Technology, on establishing an International Institute of Space.

From 20-22 October 2017, the 2nd SAMA International Forum & the 3rd 3D Printing Industry Conference will take place in Shanghai. This international event will be organised by the Shanghai Additive Manufacturing Association (SAMA), in collaboration with the Holland Innovation Network at the Consulate-General of the Netherlands in Shanghai. SAMA is the first government-backed network in the Chinese Additive Manufacturing sector. The Forum and Conference provide a comprehensive overview of additive manufacturing developments in China, from both academic and industrial perspectives (see tentative list of speakers). Last year’s event saw the attendance of around 800 visitors from different countries.

Program

The 3-day event will kick off on Thursday October 19 with a networking dinner. The following days, experts will present their views on the sector, and organisations may opt to exhibit in a concise exhibition area.

This year, the Holland Innovation Network will co-organize parallel seminar sessions, a matchmaking event and networking drinks on Saturday 21st October. The seminars will focus on the following areas of interest for 3D printing: industrial, materials, medical and aerospace (to be confirmed). The matchmaking event is offered to all Dutch participants and will be valuable for Dutch companies and organisations that want to find relevant counterparts in China.

Join!

Please contact us, if you are interested to join this event on 20-22 October, or would like to receive more information.

NB: The 3D Printing Industry Conference will take place the week before the CHInano Conference & Expo 2017 in Suzhou (25-27th October), which focusses on the Nanotech Industry in China. CHInano focuses on 3D printing, digital manufacturing, flexible printed electronics and advanced materials.

If you are interested to attend CHInano you could also contact us.

Both the 3D Printing Industry Conference and CHInano are also included in the programme of a mission to China with Dutch companies from the province of Brabant, more information can be found here.